Video processing system

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for producing video content. The method includes acquiring video data from a source. If the video data is not digitized, then the video data is digitized. The method includes generating scene indexes for the video data including a representative still image for each scene and combining the video data and scene indexes along with a media player on a video disc. The video player is operable to play the video data in accordance with the scene indexes including playing a scene from the video data on a client computer while displaying the representative stills for other of the scenes available for display on the video disc.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to computer systems and moreparticularly to methods and apparatus for collecting, editing anddistributing video content.

BACKGROUND

Video camcorders have been around for many years and providenon-professional users an easy and an inexpensive mechanism forcapturing life moments. Conventional video footage recorded bynon-professional users suffer from three major problems that have nopractical solutions. The longevity of a conventional video tape isapproximately 10 years, after which the tapes degrade rather quickly.Homeowners and renters alike typically store video tapes in non-securestorage means that are susceptible to theft and damage (e.g., fire,flood and other natural disasters). Finally, most video tape recorded byconventional non-professional users includes a more junk than realfootage. That is, non-professional users of camcorders tend to not setup their shots and as such over record, creating undesirable junkfootage. Conventional editing tools where available are difficult to useand very time consuming. As such, most non-professional users keep allof the raw footage on tape without editing out the junk.

Conventional solutions to these problems are either inadequate or tooexpensive. Tape-to-tape duplication services are available, but costsare not trivial and the duplicate tapes suffer from the same limitationsdiscussed above. Professional encoding of video tapes to optical disksis very expensive typically on the order of magnitude of $60/min. Homeequipment for digital encoding and editing where available is expensiveand time consuming to operate.

SUMMARY

In one aspect the invention provides a method for producing a video discand includes acquiring video data from a source. If the video data isnot digitized, then the video data is digitized. The method includesgenerating scene indexes for the video data including a representativestill image for each scene and combining the video data and sceneindexes along with a media player on a video disc. The video player isoperable to play the video data in accordance with the scene indexesincluding playing a scene from the video data on a client computer whiledisplaying the representative stills for other of the scenes availablefor display on the video disc.

Aspects of the invention can include one or more of the followingfeatures. The step of acquiring can include capturing the video datafrom an analog source or a digital source. The step of generating sceneindexes can include detecting a transition between consecutive frames inthe video data, determining when the transition indicates a scene breakand marking the end of the previous scene and a beginning of a new sceneat a point in time that corresponds to the initially detectedtransition. The step of detecting a transition can include detecting acolor difference between the frames and determining if a differencebetween frames exceeds a preset threshold.

The method can further include cropping one or more of the frames priorto the comparison to eliminate effects from the boundary of the imageframe. The step of detecting a transition can include detecting a motiondifference between the frames. The step of detecting a transition caninclude determining if a difference between frames exceeds a presetthreshold.

The step of determining when a transition indicates a scene break caninclude comparing plural frames to a last frame thought to be part of apreceding scene. The step of generating representative stills for eachscene can include selecting a first frame from each scene or a framefrom an introductory group of frames from each scene. The step ofselecting a frame can include determining a color distribution forplural frames in a scene and selecting a frame from the introductorygroup that is a best match to the determined color distribution. Themethod can include creating a contact sheet for distribution with thevideo disc that includes each representative still for the scenesdetected on the video disc. The video disc can be a compact disc or adigital video disc.

In another aspect the invention provides a method for producing a videobased product that includes acquiring video data and generating temporalindices including analyzing the video data to detect the temporalindices. The temporal indices indicate a division of the video data intodistinct segments. The method includes providing a media player operableto play the video data on a client computer in accordance with thetemporal indices and packaging the video data, the temporal indices andmedia player on a physical medium for delivery to the client computer.

Aspects of the invention can include one or more of the followingfeatures. The method can include digitizing the video data prior topackaging the video data and generating representative stills for one ormore segments. The media player can be operable to display one or moreof the representative stills while playing the video data on the clientcomputer.

The method can include providing a media editor operable to generate oneor more edit lists. Each edit list can define a set of operations to beperformed on the video data by another computer so as to allow editingoperations defined on one computer to be performed on the video data tobe replicated on another computer. The method can include editing thevideo data in accordance with the edit lists on the another computer anddistributing the edited video to user designated distributees. Thepackaging step can include producing a physical manifestation of thecontent to be delivered. The physical manifestation can be a video disc.

The packaging step can include producing a streaming version of thevideo data in accordance with the temporal indices, receiving a requestto webcast the streaming version of the video data and streaming thestreaming version to a requestor. The distribution of the edited videocan include providing the edit list to a central distribution site,generating the edited video at the central distribution site anddirectly delivering the edited video to the distributees.

Aspects of the invention can include one or more of the followingadvantages. An efficient and inexpensive system is provided forcollecting, digitizing and editing video content. The system includesdigitizing equipment for digitizing analog and digital video input fordistribution over the Internet. The system includes scene detectionmechanisms for parsing the digitized content into plural scenes whichcan then be edited or otherwise manipulated by the user. The systemprovides tools for the user to easily combine plural scenes into asingle composition (an album) which can be burned into a compact disc(CD) for distribution to plural sources. The composition can be viewedlocally with streaming content, or can be burned into a CD. The contenton the CD can be a high resolution or a streaming format. The systemprovides fully automated digital video editing services to allow usersto manipulate each scene, combine scenes and integrate other inputincluding audio and digital still pictures. The system combines anInternet web hosting service for viewing digitized content with videoprocessing tools to facilitate the distribution of content to pluraldistributees. The system provides a menu of still frames, one for eachdetected scene in a digitized input. The system provides video searchtools that can analyze scenes to search for particular content based onkeywords.

CDs produced by the system can be archived or otherwise backed up tomake available the original high quality content for later derivativework. Only desired high quality content will be archived through theinteraction of the user in creating an edited album on the Web. The usercan select from a high quality or a lower quality streaming version ofthe content when publishing an album. High quality still images can beextracted from the high quality content in a publish album. High qualitystills can also be extracted from the high quality content archived bythe system.

These and other advantages will be evident from the description below,the claims and the attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a system for capturing, editingand distributing video content.

FIG. 2 a is a block diagram of a capture and digitization module.

FIG. 2 b is flow diagram for a method for detecting scenes in adigitized video.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a high-level process for offering digitizedvideo products for sale over a computer network such as the Internet.

FIG. 4 a shows a user interface for a login screen.

FIG. 4 b shows a use interface for a start page.

FIG. 5 a is a flow diagram for a process for editing a video andcreating an album.

FIG. 5 b shows a user interface for an editing page.

FIG. 5 c shows a user interface for a preview page.

FIG. 5 d shows a user interface for a options page.

FIG. 5 e shows a user interface for an alternative editing page.

FIG. 5 f shows a user interface for a second alternative editing page.

FIG. 5 g shows a user interface when a selection button of FIG. 5 f isactivated.

FIG. 5 h shows a user interface when a view button of FIG. 5 f isactivated.

FIG. 5 i shows a user interface for trimming a scene.

FIG. 6 shows a user interface for a media player.

FIG. 7 shows an operational flow for the system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 shows a production flow for the system of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein the term “Video Data” refers to an image stream, audiostream or synchronized image and audio stream.

“Physical media,” as used herein, refers to means for storing digitizedcontent and can include a video disc, floppy disc, zip drive, minidisc,magnetic tape, CD-ROM, VCD and DVD.

“Segment,” as used herein, refers to a definable portion of video data.Tools described below can be used to locate segments of the video data.Portions of the description below are described with reference to ascene. A scene is a type of segment often associated with a imagestream. While the description sets forth particular details of scenedetection and other scene features, those of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that the invention is equally suited to process othervideo data types.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a system 100 is shown for capturing, editingand distributing video content. The system 100 includes a local videoprocessing system 60 and server system 70. Local video processing system60 captures and digitizes content and provides digitized video to serversystem 70. Server system 70 maintains a database 74 of digitized videoand one or more servers. Database 74 may itself be a database serverthat includes one or more storage means for storing streaming and highresolution video and other data. The servers execute one or moreapplications to host video editing services as will be described ingreater detail below. Server system 70 includes a website that can beaccessed to retrieve, manipulate, order and distribute digitized videoto one or more distributees. The details of the website, editing toolsand distribution services provided by server system 70 is described ingreater detail below.

Server system 70 can be linked to by a user using a client computer 80via a network 82 (e.g., the Internet). The user can login, review andedit video that has been captured, combine the captured/edited contentwith other media and preview the results (i.e., a storyboard) in realtime. For the purposes of these discussions, a “storyboard” is a workingarea presented by a user interface provided by server system 70 to theuser operating client computer 80. One or more scenes are added to thestoryboard as the user develops a finished product referred to as analbum. An album includes a name and a representative still. Albums canbe edited and eventually published. Publication can include the creationof a high resolution version of the digitized content and may includethe production of a physical manifestation of the digitized content(physical media) for distribution to one or more distributees.Alternatively, an album can be published on-line and viewed by others ina streaming format.

In one implementation, the user can view a streaming video version ofthe digitized content stored in the database 74 in server system 70.Streaming video server 78 can download to the user via the network 82 astreaming version of a scene, storyboard or album. The streaming videoversion can be a low resolution version of the original digitizedcontent stored in the database 74. After the user has reviewed and/ormodified a storyboard, the user can use a browser to order a physicalmanifestation of the storyboard/album. The user can also allow others toaccess an album or distribute multiple copies of the physicalmanifestation to other distributees. The processes invoked by thebrowser are described in greater detail below.

System 100 includes a production system 90 that is used to produce apublished version of a selected album as well as produce the physicalmanifestations of the album for distribution to the distributees. Thepublished version of the album can be a high resolution, streaming orother version of the original digitized video content that is stored inthe database 74 of the server system 70. In addition to the delivery ofa physical manifestation of the digitized content, an information streamcan be produced to deliver a version of the content to the distributees.The information stream can be delivered by a delivery system such as theWorld Wide Web using an internet enabled set top box (using the filetransfer protocol ftp), DVD player or personal computer, a cable systemincorporating a video-on-demand set top box, or satellite system(satellite narrowcast). These and other delivery systems can be used todeliver a streaming version of the digitized content.

Local Video Processing System

Local video processing system 60 includes a capture and digitizationmodule 62, a scene detection module 64, one or more streaming videoprocessors 66, splitters 68 and local storage 69 (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 2 a, capture and digitization module 62 includesan input module 102, an input monitoring multiplexor 104, a digitizationsource multiplexor 106, a digitization module 108, a digitizationcontrol module 110, content monitoring module 112, content monitoringmultiplexor 114 and network connection 116 for interfacing with anetwork (e.g., local area network (LAN), intranet, Internet) thatcouples the digitization module 62 and the rest of the local videoprocessing system 60.

Input module 102 includes plural means for reading input received from auser. Input can be received from a user by US Mail, delivery (e.g.,FedEx, UPS), through a designated receiving site (e.g., a drop offcenter, kiosk, photo shop), or can be uploaded directly by the user.Input can be analog or digital. If the input has already been digitized,then the input can be provided directly to digitization control module110. Otherwise, all other forms of input are digitized usingdigitization module 108. In one implementation, input module 102includes a video cassette player (VHS, SVHS or 8 mm format), a compactdisc player (video compact disc (VCD) and digital video compact disc(DVD)) and a camcorder for reading input. Input can be of the form ofanalog or digital tape (VHS, SVHS or 8 mm tape), VCDs, DVDs or directinput from a video recording device such as a 8 mm HI-8 camcorder. Inputmodule 102 provides as an output plural input streams, one from eachinput device, that can be passed to both the input monitoringmultiplexor 104 and digitization source multiplexor 106. Alternatively,the input module input stream can be coupled directly to thedigitization control module using a FireWire connection (IEEE-1394interface) or other direct input means.

Input monitoring multiplexor 104 receives as inputs a video stream oneach of its input ports and provides a single selected stream as anoutput on its output port. In one implementation, input monitoringmultiplexor 104 receives as inputs two video streams from the inputmodule (a stream from a video cassette player and the compact discplayer) and a feedback stream from the digitization control module 110.The output of the input monitoring multiplexor 104 is coupled to aninput of the content monitoring module 112. In this way, the videooutput from each input device can be viewed by a quality control monitorfor the system.

Digitization source multiplexor 106 receives as inputs video streams oneach of its input ports and provides a single selected stream as anoutput on its output port. In one implementation, digitization sourcemultiplexor 106 receives as input three video streams from the inputmodule (one from each of the video cassette player, compact disc playerand camcorder). The output of the digitization source multiplexor 106 iscoupled to the input of digitization module 108. In this way, the videooutput stream from each input device can be selected for digitization bythe digitization module 108.

Digitization module 108 can include plural devices for digitizing thevideo input received from the input module 102. In one implementation,digitization module includes a controller 170 (e.g., an Osprey 200 videocapture card available from ViewCast.com), and two digitizers 172 (aDigital Video Creator available from Dazzle Multimedia and Studio MP10available from Pinnacle Systems). Each device (controller 170 anddigitizers 172) is coupled by a bi-directional communications bus to thedigitization control module 110. In one implementation, controller 170is included as part of digitization control module 110.

Digitization control module 110 controls the configuration and selectionof the devices in the digitization module 108. Depending on theconfiguration, one or more of the devices will operate on the videostream received from the digitization source multiplexor 106 and provideoutput to both the content monitoring multiplexor 114 and thedigitization control module 110. In one implementation, each digitizer172 provides a digitized stream that contains the digitized video as anoutput to the digitization control module 110. In addition, thedigitized content can be rendered to produce a video stream that isprovided as an output to content monitoring multiplexor 114.

Digitization control module 110 can also perform a synchronizationfunction for the data transfers between the digitization module 108 andinput module 102. Digitization control module 110 can activate inputmodule 102 and digitization module 108 in an appropriate sequence sothat output of input module 102 can feed into the input of digitizationmodule 108 without any human intervention.

Content monitoring multiplexor 114 receives as inputs a video stream oneach of its input ports and provides a single selected stream as anoutput on its output port. In one implementation, content monitoringmultiplexor 114 receives as inputs two video streams from thedigitization module (a stream from each digitizer 172). The output ofthe content monitoring multiplexor 114 is coupled to a second input ofthe content monitoring module 112. In this way, the video output fromeach digitizer 172 can be viewed by a quality control monitor for thesystem.

Content monitoring module 112 includes a video monitor for viewing videostreams processed by the system 100. In one implementation, the contentmonitoring module 112 includes two inputs, one from the digitizationmodule 108 and one from the input module 102 (via their respectivemultiplexors).

Digitization control module 110 controls the operation of thedigitization module 108. Digitization control module 110 receives as aninput a digitized video stream that can be manipulated for furtherprocessing. Digitization control module 110 associates with eachprocessed digitized stream a video identifier (ID) associated with thesource (user) of the input. The output from digitization control module110 (a digitized video stream) is coupled by network connection 116 toremaining portions of the local video processing system 60. In oneimplementation, the digitized video stream is encoded prior to output.In one implementation, the output format is an MPEG format.

In one implementation, digitization control module 110 can addinformation to the digitized video prior to transfer to the remainingportion of the local video processing system 60. For example, productionscreens or customized title screens can be added to the digitized videoto indicate the source of origin of the digitization services.

The digitized content produced in the local video processing system 60can be stored locally in local storage 69 on disc or other physicalmedia.

I. Scene Detection

Referring again to FIG. 1, scene detection module 64 includes analgorithm for detecting scene changes in the digitized video. Scenedetection module 62 receives as an input the digitized stream from thecapture and digitization module 64 (e.g., the MPEG file) and provides asan output scene information. In one implementation, the sceneinformation includes scene identification information, bad video segmentinformation as well as a representative still image for the scene. Inone implementation, the scene detection module 64 provides as an outputa JPEG still for each scene.

Referring now to FIG. 2 b, a method 200 invoked by the scene detectionmodule 64 for detecting scenes in the digitized content is shown. Themethod 200 is used to detect when the video camera was turned on or off(i.e., a scene break). The output of the method is a list of segments,where each segment contains beginning and end frame numbers. The methodbegins by retrieving a first image frame (202). If no more frames are tobe processed (204), the process ends (230). Else, the next image frameis retrieved (206). The current image frame is cropped (208). The imageframe is cropped to include only the interior portion of the image areasince the outside boundary may contain camera noise. Where the imageframe dimensions are W×H, the method only considers pixels within therectangle (bw,bh)-(W−bw,H−bh). In one implementation, bw is set to 0.1*Wand bh is set to 0.1*H.

Thereafter, a color difference and a motion difference between thecurrent image frame and the previous one is computed (210). A check ismade to determine if the method is in the “tentative” mode (212). Ifnot, another check is made to determine if a time-out counter (TOC) isnon-zero (213). If not the process continues at step 214. If the TOC isnon-zero, then the TOC is decremented by one unit (240). If, afterdecrementing, the TOC is now zero (242), the method declares a truescene break and records a frame identifier associated with the framelocated previously (in step 218) as the end of a scene and the nextframe identifier as the start of the next (new) scene in the list ofscenes (244). Thereafter, or if the result of the comparison in step 242is non-zero, the process continues at step 214.

In step 214, the motion and color differences are compared to presetthresholds. If both the motion and the color differences are not abovethe preset threshold(s), then the process continues at step 204. If boththe motion and the color differences are above the preset thresholds,then a possible scene break has been detected and the method enters thetentative mode (216). The tentative mode is defined as a time periodafter detecting an initial indication of a scene break over which theframe-to-frame motion and/or color difference continues to exceed thethreshold(s). In one implementation, the thresholds are determined byperforming a regression analysis on a database of home camcorderfootage. The image frame immediately before the detected break isidentified (218) and the process continues at step 204.

If the method is already in the tentative mode, then a check is made todetermine if both the motion and the color difference are above presetthresholds (for the identified frame and the current frame) (220). Ifso, then the method switches back to the “normal mode” (exits tentativemode (222)) and then compares the frame identified in step 218 with thecurrent frame (223). The comparison includes the computation of thecolor and motion differences between the two frames and a comparison ofthe results to a preset threshold(s). If the differences do not exceedthe threshold(s) 224, then the tentative scene break is cancelled(including deleting the scene identified in step 218) (226) and themethod continues at step 204. If the differences exceed the thresholds,then the TOC counter is initialized to a preset value 228. At thispoint, the method has detected a true scene break, but will wait for anumber of frames equal to the initial time out value before declaring ascene break. This waiting period can be used to detect another scenebreak (within the time-out period) which has an even larger motion andcolor difference. Thereafter, the process continues at step 204.

In home camcorder footage, camera flashes and fast motions (e.g.,someone walks in front of a camera) can often cause color and motiondifferences to exceed the preset thresholds for a short period of time.In order to reduce these false positives, the system includes thetentative mode. While in the tentative mode, the system compares newimage frames to the previously stored image frame (identified in step218) for a timeout period. In one implementation, the timeout value isdetermined to be ⅓ of a second. If by the end of the timeout, the imageis still very different from the stored image, the system declares thedetected scene break to be a true scene break and turns off tentativemode.

A. Computing Color Difference

There are many standard ways of computing color differences. In oneimplementation, the system first computes a 2D color histogram of theimage frame. The two color axes are used to compute a representativecolor model of the image frame. The two axes are normalized red(r′=r/r+g+b) and normalized green (g′=g/r+g+b). Thereafter, the systemcreates a 2D array, H, where each bin, H(r′,g′), represents arectangular region in normalized red and green space. Each bin isinitially set to zero. For each pixel in the image, the pixel'snormalized color values (r′,g′) are computed and the count in H(r′,g′)is incremented by one.

The actual color difference is computed by comparing the histogram forthe current image frame and the previous image frame (or identifiedimage frame). The color difference between the two image frames is thehistogram intersection: the system accumulates, for each bin location ineach histogram, the count of the smaller of the two bins[CD=sum(min(H1(i,j),H2(i,j)))/N where I and j are indexed over all thebins in the histogram and where N is the total number of pixels in theimage frame].

B. Computing Motion Difference

There are many standard ways of computing motion difference. In oneimplementation, the system computes a motion difference by calculatingthe total number of pixels that have changed significantly between thetwo images. The system uses the intensity value of each pixel I(x,y) todo the comparison. Let m(x,y)=1 if |I1(x,y)−I2(x,y)|>threshold, 0otherwise. Then the motion difference MD=sum(m(x,y)).

C. Extracting Representative Frames

In one implementation, the process for selecting a representative stillfor a scene includes picking the first frame of the scene. Although thisstrategy works very well for professionally produced footage, it doesnot work well for home camcorder footage. The first few frames of homefootage often contain garbage because the person has not quite set upthe shot yet. In one implementation, a better choice for therepresentative frame is selected by analyzing the entire segment andselecting an image that best approximates the rest of the segment. Inone implementation, the system restricts this representative image to bewithin the first few seconds of the scene (the “segment intro”).

To select a better representative frame, the system computes a colormodel of the entire scene by computing the average color histogram ofthe entire scene. This average histogram is compared with every image inthe segment intro using histogram intersection (see previousdiscussion). The image frame with the smallest color difference ischosen.

In one implementation, a one pass algorithm is used to extract therepresentative frames while the scene break detection is going on. Assoon as a new scene is detected, all the successive images in thesegment intro (usually 5 seconds=150 frames) are stored in a buffer. Inaddition, the system keeps track of the running sum of all the bins inthe histogram. When the end of the segment is detected, the systemcomputes the average histogram by dividing each bin by the total numberof images. This average histogram is compared against the frames in thebuffer. The best match is selected and output as the representativeframe. In one implementation, a slight trick is used due to the timeoutperiod. More specifically, the system does not know that a scene hasbeen detected until a timeout (e.g., ⅓ of a second) after the break wasinitially processed. The system maintains a second additional buffersized in accordance with the timeout period (e.g., ⅓ second=10 framesfor a 30 fps video segment) to make sure the system does not miss anyframes.

D. Bad Video Segment Detection

Home camcorder footage often includes segments in which there is not avalid video signal on the tape. This can occur if the lens cap is lefton while recording, if the tape is accidentally fast forwarded duringfilming (leaving an unrecorded portion of the tape) or by other means.The most common cause of this problem occurs when a tape is removedbefore it has been filled to 100% of capacity producing a tape thatincludes a final segment with no video signal.

In order to automatically detect and remove such bad video segments, thesystem can perform an analysis on the representative still selected foreach segment and remove those segments that do not have a valid videosignal. This of course assumes that if the representative still has avalid signal, then the remainder of the detected segment will also havea valid signal. Since the representative frame is by definition theframe that best represents the entire segment, then this assumption isvery good in practice.

To determine whether or not the representative still has a valid videosignal, the system computes statistics on each of the color channels(e.g., three in an RGB device) and compare then to preset thresholds. Inone implementation, the system computes the standard deviation of thered, green and blue color components [for example for the red component:StdDevR=sum((Rk−avgR)*(Rk−AvgR))/N, where AvgR Is the average value ofthe red component throughout the image, N is the total number of pixelsin the image and Rk is the value of the red component of the kth pixelin the image, where k ranges from 0 to N−1.]

The system then checks to see if the standard deviation computed is lessthan a threshold [e.g., StdDevR<ThresholdR]. If so, then the still imageis labeled a bad image and the associated segment is labeled a badsegment (e.g., scene). In one implementation, the threshold values aredetermined by performing a regression analysis on a database of homecamcorder footage.

In an alternative approach, a check can be made of each image (still) ina segment. When the color statistics for each frame exactly match, a badsegment is declared.

Referring again to FIG. 1, after the scene detection process has beenperformed, the digitized video (e.g., MPEG file) and scene detectioninformation (e.g., scene identifiers and JPEG stills) are provided tostreaming video processor(s) 66 and splitter 68. Streaming videoprocessor 66 operates on the digitized video to produce a streamingversion (encoded version) that can be easily downloaded or viewed over anetwork (e.g., the Internet). In one implementation, two parallelstreaming processors 66 a and 66 b are provided that produce streamingvideo output streams at two resolutions and bit rates. Streaming videoprocessor 66 a provides a streaming video output for supporting a 56 kmodem configuration while streaming video processor 66 b provides astreaming video output for supporting a digital subscriber line (DSL)configuration. In one implementation, video output processor 66 outputsa RealVideo format file and any accompanying SMIL files necessary forpreviewing the RealVideo format file by the user.

The output of video processor 66 is provided as an input to splitter 68.Splitter 68 takes the scene detection information and producesindividual encoded files, one for each scene. The output of the splitter68 is provided as an input to server system 70. In one implementation,two parallel splitters 68 a and 68 b are provided that produce encodedoutput files at two resolutions and bit rates. Splitter 68 a provides asan output scene-based encoded files to support a 56 k modemconfiguration while splitter 68 b provides as an output scene-basedencoded files to support a DSL configuration. In one implementation,splitter 68 outputs RealVideo format file(s) and any accompanying SMILfiles necessary for previewing the RealVideo format file by the user.

Server System

Server system 70 includes a batch processor 72, a database 74, a clientserver 76 and streaming video server 78.

Batch processor 72 receives as an input encoded (e.g., scene-detectedRealVideo files) and digitized video files (e.g., the digitized MPEGfile) from local video processing system 60. The connection betweenserver system 70 and local video processing system 60 can be optimizedto support needed bandwidth and cost structure. In one implementation,the connection between the devices is a high speed T1 link. In anotherimplementation, this connection is a physical device such as a removablehard disc or a Iomega, Inc. Jazz disc. Batch processor 72 writes all ofthe information associated with the files to the database 74 and copiesall files into an appropriate directory structure. In oneimplementation, all files associated with a digitized video are storedin a single directory associated with the user's ID. Other directorystructures can be used.

Client server 76 receives notice from batch processor 72 when the datatransfer to the database 72 has been completed and the video content isavailable for processing. Client server 76 includes plural applicationsfor interfacing with the user and the various other system components.In one implementation, client server 76 includes an E-mail applicationthat can be invoked to send notification to the user that the digitizedvideo is available for review.

Client server 76 hosts a website that can be visited by the user. Clientserver 76 is connected to one or more client computers 80 by a network82 such as the Internet. Client server 76 includes a web front end (notshown) that manages the communications with the client computers 80. Thewebsite can include plural applications that when executed allow theuser to view, edit, manipulate, archive and order copies of thedigitized content. The website architecture and user interface aredescribed in greater detail below.

In one implementation, the user can view a streaming video version ofthe digitized content stored in the database 74 in server system 70.Streaming video server 78 can download to the user via the network 82 astreaming version of a scene, storyboard or album. The streaming videoversion can be a low resolution version of the original digitizedcontent stored in the database 74.

In one implementation, the video material is stored for predefinedlength of time at server system 70. In one implementation, server system70 sends E-mails at 10 and 14 days that warn of imminent deletion ofmaterial. Ultimately, material can be deleted after a pre-defined period(e.g., 21 days). Any in-process albums will be altered to remove thedeleted material. An E-mail can be sent after deletion that informs theuser how to send in an archive CD for reposting of material.

Client Computer

The client computers 80 can be connected to various input devices(digital video camera, digital still camera and storage means) so that auser can upload captured digital images, video clips or previouslydigitized video scenes to the client computer 80. Alternatively, or inaddition, the client computer 80 can execute digital video processingsoftware such as Ulead Video Studio3.0 SE or image processing softwaresuch as ADOBE PHOTOSHOP® in order to create and/or edit digital video orstill images. The client computer 80 includes a storage medium (notshown) such as a hard disk for storing the digital video or stillimages.

The client computer 80 is connected to the network 82, for example,using a modem or network interface card. The system can be implementedas a browser-based system in accordance with the standard protocols forcommunicating over the Word Wide Web. In such an implementation, a userof the client computer 80 can execute a browser 84 to connect to andinteract with the client server 76. As described above, client server 76includes a web front end that manages the communications with the clientcomputer 80. The user of the client computer 80 can upload digitalcontent to the client server 76. The web front end receives the uploadeddigital content and stores the content in database 74.

Production System

The user of the client computer 80 can also order content made fromedited or raw content as will be described in greater detail below. Theclient server 76 includes or is connected to a production system 90.Production system 90 receives the selected digitized content from theclient server 76 and generates a physical manifestation (e.g., DVD orCD) of the content from the selected digitized content. Alternatively,the production system receives an edit list that identifies the contentto be processed and the content is retrieved from the database 74 (e.g.,from the database server). The items generated by the production system90 can be shipped to the user using a conventional shipping service suchas the United States Postal Service or Federal Express.

In one implementation, the production system includes a user interfacethat is presented to the user to allow for a one click publicationprocess. The user interface can include for example a finished button(563 of FIG. 5 b) that automatically publishes a finished album. Theautomatic publication process includes the generation of scenes, highresolution content, streaming content, contact sheets and othermaterials for inclusion in a finished product. The publication servicesare described in greater detail below.

In one implementation, the CDs produced by production system 90 can bearchived or otherwise backed up to allow for high quality content to beavailable for later derivative work.

In one implementation the product shipped (CD) includes the highresolution video (e.g., MPEG files), a Media Player and an auto playfile. In another implementation, a streaming version of the selectedcontent is also included in the shipped product.

A contact sheet can be created and printed for inclusion with theproduct. After the scene detection process has been completed, a contactsheet can be generated. The contact sheet is a sheet (e.g., of paper)that contains a number N of thumb-nail sized key frame images (stills)representing the detected segments of the input video as well as themovie times associated with each key frame. In one implementation, themaximum number of thumbnails is 30. When generating the contact sheet,two distinct special cases are considered, when the number of detectedsegments M is greater than N, and a when the number of detected segmentsis less than N.

In one implementation, when presented with the first case where M>N andmore segments are detected than can be printed on a single sheet, onlythe first N thumbnails are printed on the sheet.

In the second case where the N>M, then an algorithm can be selected tofill up the sheet. In one implementation, the algorithm selects alongest segment, divides the segment into equal pieces and selects newrepresentative stills for the segments (as necessary). Alternatively,only a subset of the stills can be printed. In one implementation, theselection of the number of stills to print on the contact sheet does notaffect the underlying digitized content (i.e., no new scene breaks areestablished due to the division).

After the key frames are selected, the images can be added to a digitalimage representative of the contact sheet, and subsequently printed. Thealbum author's name, title, and date of creation can also be added tothe digital image prior to printing.

A new set of scenes associated with the published product can beincluded. A user can click on a scene and the video segmentcorresponding to that scene will be played immediately. Other featuresinclude an A-B playback loop and random/shuffle play options. A userinterface for a media player associated with the final product is shownin FIG. 6 Labels are printed and attached to the product (CD and jewelcase) that include the title of the album or content included. In oneimplementation, the product (e.g., CD) and contact sheet, along with theoriginal tape (if any), are sent to the user.

Album CDs may be ordered via E-mail, phone, and mail. Upon receipt ofpayment within the appropriate time period the product is shipped asdescribed above. Multiple products (e.g., CDs) may be shipped tomultiple addresses.

Process for Ordering Video Products

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a high-level process 300 of offeringdigitized video products for sale over a computer network such as theInternet. First, content is received (block 302). For example, a usercan send an 8 mm tape for processing to the local video processingsystem 60. The content is digitized (304) and a scene detection processis invoked (306). In one implementation, a user executing a browser onthe client computer 80 can access the web front end of the client server76 and upload a digitized video or other digital content directly to theclient server 76 bypassing the local video processing system 60. In thisimplementation, the client server either invokes a local scene detectionprocess or forwards the digitized video that is received to the localvideo processing system 60 for scene detection services. Alternatively,the user can upload or otherwise send material that has been previouslydigitized by the local video processing system (e.g., a published CD).The material is reposted to the web site after which it is handled as ifit had just been digitized by the local video processing system 60.

Then, the local video processing system 60 operates on the digitizedvideo to produce one or more encoded streaming versions of the digitizedvideo (308). The digitized video, scene detection information andencoded streaming versions of the digitized video are then stored indatabase 74 accessible by client server 76 (310).

The web front end of the client server 76 can be configured to allow theuser to view scenes stored in the database 74 and select one or morescenes for subsequent processing or inclusion in an album as describedbelow. More specifically, the user logs in to the website using a videoidentifier for the content that was previously provided as part of block302 (312).

FIG. 4 a shows one example of a user interface (i.e., the “login page”)400 presented to the user of client computer 80 for accessing digitizedvideo stored at server system 70. The login includes a video identifier(ID) box 402 for indicating the identifier for the video product that isto be edited/viewed. When a user uploads or otherwise delivers the videocontent to the system, a video ID is assigned. The video ID is a uniqueidentifier to a particular product. In one implementation, the video IDmay be required to be accompanied with a password for security purposes.In addition, the login page includes an interface specification checkbox404 for specifying the connection type for the current session. Thefirst time a user logs in they are presented with a wizard (not shown)that gathers basic information including preferred bit stream (required)and other information about them. Information that the customerspecifies can be changed later through a preferences page (not shown).On subsequent logins, a user may request that their password be reset tothe default or a reminder sent to them. The default password can be thelast four digits of the customer's home phone number.

After finishing the wizard or after a successful login, the user isredirected to an appropriate page. If a video ID is provided, the usermay be directly presented an editing page for the selected video.Alternatively, the user may be presented with a start page as describedbelow, from which the user can select a video for editing. Onceselected, the user can edit the raw input (314), select scenes forinclusion in an album (316) and publish the album (318). The publicationof the album includes the creation of a high resolution copy of theselected content (or a streaming version). Next, an order is receivedfor the published album (320). For example, the order can be received bythe web front end from the user's client computer 80. The order can bereceived in other ways including, for example, via electronic mail,Internet Relay Chat, the telephone, and/or the mail. Typically, theorder will include information specifying (or otherwise referring orpointing to) a type of product, the published album to incorporate intothe product, a quantity of the product being ordered, paymentinformation, and delivery information. After the order has beenreceived, the order is fulfilled (322). For example, the order can befulfilled by burning or otherwise generating the product (e.g., the DVDor CD) and delivering the product to the customer.

Referring to FIG. 4 b, a user interface 410 presented by server system70 for a start page is shown. The start page includes links to PublishedAlbums (finished albums 411), Unfinished Albums 413, and can include anInbox (raw material) pages for recently uploaded content. On each startpage published albums are listed. Displayed are the title, description,first key frame (representative thumbnail still), and length of eachalbum. By clicking on a key frame a viewer can see a streaming video(e.g., Real Video) version of the associated album. In oneimplementation, the key frames are at least 80×60 pixels. On each startpage appears a list of videos that are available for editing. Title orID, number of scenes, and length are displayed as a link that leads toan editing page for that video. By clicking on the video or by selectingan edit button, the user is taken to an editing page for the selectedvideo. In addition, the user can directly order an album or delete analbum by selecting an appropriate button.

Referring now to FIG. 5 a, a process 500 for editing a video andcreating an album is shown. The process begins by selecting anunpublished album or video to be edited (502). When the selection ismade from the start page or other page in the user interface, astoryboard edit page is presented. One example of a user interface 550presented by server system 70 for a storyboard edit page is shown inFIG. 5 b. On this page the video title or ID and length will bedisplayed along with a key frame (e.g., the individual JPEGs from aJPEGs directory in database 74) from each scene. Controls presented inconjunction with the storyboard edit page can be manipulated by a userto select a scene for subsequent processing or inclusion in an album. Aplurality of representative “thumbnail” images for scenes stored in theimage database 74 (also referred to here as “thumbnails” or key frames)are displayed in the user interface 550. The user interface includes twoframes, one for clips (scenes) 554 and one for a storyboard 556. In oneimplementation, the clips frame 554 includes individual scenesassociated with a single video ID (i.e., raw input scenes).Alternatively, the clip frame 554 can be used to display all of thescenes associates with a previously created album. Each scene includes athumbnail 552.

The user can select ones of the scenes from the clip frame 554 forinclusion in the storyboard frame 556 (504). The user interface 550 canbe configured in a conventional manner so that a user can select aparticular scene for inclusion in a storyboard by clicking on thethumbnail 552 associated with that scene. In addition, or instead, theuser interface 550 can include a plurality of buttons (or other userinterface controls) associated with one or more scenes stored in thedatabase 74; a user can click on (or otherwise actuate) one of thebuttons in order to select the one or more scenes associated with thatbutton. The selected scene is then retrieved from the database 74 andused for subsequent processing. The scene can be received and selectedin other ways, including for example, as an attachment to an E-mail orembodied on a storage medium such as DVD or CD-ROM.

Once a scene is selected, then a preview of the scene can be displayed(506). As described above, when the digitized video is processed by thelocal video processing system 60, one or more encoded versions of thedigitized video are created to allow for streaming video downloads tothe user. Streaming video server 78 processes these requests andprovides a streaming video preview of the selected scene. In oneimplementation, by clicking on a key frame on the editing page the usercan view a RealVideo version of the selected scene. In oneimplementation, a Real Player module pops up, plays the scene, thendisappears. Alternatively, the Real Player module pops up and plays justthat scene but also displays the key frames for the other availablescenes. In another implementation, the Real Player area is embedded inthe editing page. Clicking on a key frame plays just that scene.

Referring to FIG. 5 c, a user interface 580 presented by streaming videoserver 78 is shown. The user interface 580 includes a streaming videoframe 582, scene frame 584 and one or more controls. The streaming videoframe 582 displays the encoded video stream associated with the selectedscene. The streaming video frame can include one or more controls formanipulating or otherwise editing the selected scene. For example, inone implementation, the streaming video frame 582 includes controls forcropping the selected frame to reduce the size/duration of the selectedvideo clip. Scene frame 584 includes plural thumbnails 552 associatedwith the scenes presented in the clip frame of user interface 550. Inone implementation, a new scene can be selected from the scene frame 584and displayed in the video streaming frame 582 by the user selecting adesired scene. In one implementation, various controls are included onthe user interface 580 for editing or otherwise managing the selectedscene. Controls can include a tracking control for changing the videotracking, extraction control for selecting a frame or portion of a sceneand a deletion control for deleting a scene from the clip frame 554.

At any time (either before or after preview), a scene can be selected tobe added to the storyboard frame 556 (508). To do so, the user canactuate a control (add control 558) presented under a selected scene inthe clip frame 554. The user can also deselect scenes included in thestoryboard frame 556. To do so, the user can actuate a control (deletecontrol 560) presented under a selected scene in the storyboard frame556. In addition, the user can reorganize selected frames. To do so, theuser can actuate a control (arrow control 562 and 564) presented under aselected scene in the clip frame 554.

Other content can be added to a storyboard. In one implementation, userinterface 550 includes an upload button 567 that can be selected toupload other digital content (e.g., digital stills) or other scenes. Byinvoking the upload button 567, an upload page can be presented thatincludes raw scenes, or options for uploading other digital content fromthe client computer or server computer. A user can add scenes from morethan one video to an album. In one implementation, the editing page willnot allow a user to create an album that is longer in length than 60minutes, as this is the maximum length that can be burned onto aconventional CD.

When the user has completed adding scenes to the storyboard frame 556,customized options can be included (510). Use interface 550 includes anoptions button 559 that can be selected by the user to customize analbum. By clicking on this button, the user will be taken to a pagewhere they can edit the title and description of the album, create acustom title screen, and set the security level of the album (private,shared, or public). If the album is designated as shared, the user maycreate or change a password associated with the album, or delete it. Ifthe password or security level is changed on a published album, anE-mail can be sent to the user with album ID, password, and guest logininstructions.

A user interface 590 for an options page is shown in FIG. 5 d. Userinterface 590 can include plural buttons for customizing the album. Inthe implementation shown, buttons include a change theme button 591, anadd music button 592, an add titles button 593 and change permissionsbutton 594. The change theme button 591 can be invoked by a user to addframes, artwork, borders, fonts or other stylized features to the album.The add music button 592 can be invoked by the user to add a music trackto the album to be mixed with or supersede the existing audio track. Theadd titles button 593 can be invoked to add title pages to the album tointroduce the album or individual scenes. The change permissions button594 can be invoked to change the access rights to published albums. Inaddition, the user interface 590 can include a change title box 595 thatcan be used to change the title of the album.

After any customization has been added, the user can preview the album(512). In one implementation, the user can preview the album byselecting a preview button 565 on the user interface 550. The previewfunction includes the display of the entire album using the streamingvideo scenes that are selected for inclusion in the album. All titlepages that are included are rendered and the entire finished product isdisplayed.

At any time, the user can publish the album indicating that the album isfinished (514). The publication process includes the generation of ahigh resolution or streaming version of the storyboard and all includedoptions. The high resolution version is stored in database 74. In oneimplementation, the user can publish the album by selecting a finishbutton 563 in the user interface 550. When finished, the user will beprompted to indicate whether the album should be published or remainunpublished. When the user chooses to publish the album the entries areassimilated and the final videos are created. The following steps areasynchronous, that is, the user is not required to stay online waitingfor the steps to complete. Instead a message will appear stating thatthey are free to move about the site and that they will be notified viaE-mail when their album is published and ready for their viewing. Stepsto be completed include extracting new stills for any trimmed scenes,creation of a customized title screen, creation of a final streamingversion of the album and moved to the appropriate directory, and thecreation of the final high resolution version of the storyboard. In oneimplementation, a final MPEG-1 and CD directory structure is created andstored at the processing site. The final high resolution version caninclude proprietary productions screens and customized title screens. Acontact sheet is also created and stored at the processing site. Whenall publishing steps are complete an E-mail is sent to the user withspecifics on how to order a product (CD of the album) and an indicationthat they must order this album within specified time period days. Ifthe album is marked as shared, then included in this E-mail is an albumID, password, and instructions for guest login. If an album isdesignated as public, a URL is generated for that album and sent viaE-mail to the user. That URL will then point directly to the publicalbum. In one implementation, a check is made to determine if theaddition of the published album will violate the user's maximum storagespace allocated in the database 74. If so then the album is notpublished and instead, the user is directed to delete existing albums tocreate space for the new one.

After publication, the user can invite friends to view or order an album(516). In one implementation, the user interface 550 includes a invitebutton 569 that can be invoked to create an E-mail to be distributedwith instructions to one or more invitees to view the published album.When an album is designated as shared, the user receives an E-mail withthe Album ID, password and instructions for viewing. The user can thenforward this information to their guests. On the guests' login page theguest will enter an Album ID and a password associated with this albumas well as their preferred bit stream. The guest will then be taken to ascreen that shows the key frames of the published album and instructionson how to view the album. In one implementation, when a guest clicks ona key frame, a Real Player pops up and plays the album. In oneimplementation, the server system 70 will include functionality to setthe number of guest views of an album. If an Album is designated aspublic, a URL is generated for that album and sent via E-mail to theuser. That URL will then point directly to the public album. Thiscompletes the album creation and publication process.

Referring to FIG. 5 e, in one implementation a third frame, a collectionframe 570, is included in the user interface 550. The collection framepresents albums that have been previously compiled by the user. Eachalbum has associated with it a single representative thumbnail which canbe viewed by the user. An album from the collection frame 570 can beselected by the user. Each scene in the selected album is then displayedin the clip frame 554. Scenes from the selected album can be included inthe storyboard as described above.

Referring to FIG. 5 f, in one implementation the editing page includes auser interface 595 that presents a storyboard 556, a video selectionbutton 557, a preview button 565 and finished button 563.

The storyboard 556 includes scenes and controls (trim control 593,delete control 595 and shift control 583). Trim control allows a user totrim an individual scene. A user interface presented for trimming ascene is shown in FIG. 5 i. The user interface includes controls forselecting an amount of time to trim from the beginning and end of thescene along with preview functions. Referring again to FIG. 5 f, theselection of the delete control 595 will delete the selected scene fromthe storyboard. The user can manipulate the shift control 583 toreorganize scenes in a storyboard.

When the selection button 557 is actuated, a list of other videos thatcan be reviewed is presented. An example of the user interface 597 shownwhen actuating the selection button 557 is shown in FIG. 5 g. Thereaftera user can select one of the available videos for review by selecting aview button 598. The user interface presented 599 when selecting theview button is shown in FIG. 5 h. A user can select individual scenesfor inclusion in storyboard 556 by selecting a box 589 and the stay orgo buttons 587 and 585. A reset button is provided to clear theselections from boxes 589. The stay button causes the selected scenes tobe added to the storyboard but the user interface remains on the currentpage. The go button 585 adds the scenes and transports the user back tothe edit page (e.g., user interface 595).

Operational Flow

Referring now to FIG. 7, an operational flow 700 for system 100 isshown. The operational flow includes three loops an archiving loop 702,a production loop 704 and a sharing loop 706.

In the archiving loop, a customer provides content to be processed bythe system. The system digitizes and encodes the content and provides avalue added function of scene detection. High quality digitized contentis stored and a low resolution version is passed to the sever system forviewing and editing by the customer. More specifically, a customer 710provides a tape for processing (i.e., video tape source acquisition 712)after which digitization and encoding operations 714 are initiated. Thedigitized and encoded original content is stored locally 716 for futureprocessing (in the production cycle). The high quality encoded anddigitized video is converted 718 to a streaming format. The high qualityencoded and digitized video is also processed by a scene detectionsystem to detect individual segments in the original content 719.

In the production loop, the scene detected streaming version of the highresolution content can be edited and organized into an album that can bepublished. The scene detection information and streaming format data forany received tape is provided to the database server 724. The databaseserver stores the streaming format content and scene detectioninformation in a local storage 726. The customer accesses a browser 730to view the content. A web server 720 presents the user with web-basedediting tools 732 for manipulating the scene detected content asdescribed above to form an album of content. The user can also viewscenes by accessing a streaming server 722. The web server 720 can alsoallow the customer to access other content that can be included in analbum for example from a multimedia jukebox 734.

Alternatively, content can be directly provided by a third party to theserver system and bypass the archiving loop. That is, the customer canaccess a strategic partner 750, for example through the Internet, andprovide content to the strategic partner. The strategic partner canintake and process content and provide content through middleware 752 tothe server system for inclusion in a customer album. The third party canprovide: upload content (this content goes into the upload loop) andcustomer support (e.g., the third party has its own web site andprovides support to the customers). When a customer orders a service,the tape can be sent to the third party or directly to the serversystem. After processing, material can be posted through the third partywebsite.

In each case, the customer produces an album as a finished product inthe production loop. When the customer has completed the editingprocess, the album is published 740. A edit list is produced thatdescribes the final published content. A mastering and duplicationservice can produce a CD from the edit list. Alternatively, the albumcan be published on the Web, and cast to one or more recipients.

In the sharing loop, a customer is directed to a particular album thatcan be viewed. The customer accesses the album, can in turn editportions, order copies and share the content just as the originalproducer of the album.

Production Flow for a CD

Referring now to FIG. 8, a production flow 800 for the system is show.The operation begins when the customer places an order for an album 802.The customer accesses the web server home page 804 and traverses to anorder page 806. At the order page, the customer identifies a product tobe ordered and is presented with pricing, shipping and otherinformation. After an order has been completed, a confirmation page ispresented to confirm the order details 808. If confirmed, the customeris thanked 810 and sent a confirming e-mail 812 that is received by thecustomer 814.

A mailer kit is sent to the customer 816, received by the customer 818and sent back with a tape to the production center 820. The productioncenter receives the mailer from the customer 822 and generates an email824 that is sent to the customer 826 indicating that the mailer (e.g.,tape) has been received. The production system identifies the kit from,for example a bar code on the mailer, and associates the mailer kit withan order 828. The tape is digitized and encoded 830 to create the highresolution content. Thereafter, streaming versions of the digitizedcontent are produced 832 and files are moved to the web server 834 andarchived 835. An email is generated 836 and sent to the customer 838notifying the customer that the digitized content is available forediting at the website. The customer can manipulate/edit the content 840and then sends a notification to the production system to publish analbum 842.

The production system retrieves the high quality content from thearchive and produces data to be included in the CD as described above850. The CD is burned 852 and a quality assurance test is performed 854.A back-up CD can be created 856. A contact sheet is created and printed858 along with a CD label 860. The label is attached to the finished CD862 and shipped to the customer 864. A video identifier with trackinginformation for the CD is entered into a database 866 and a confirmationemail is generated 868. The confirmation email is sent to the customer870 and, if all goes well, the finished product is receive by thecustomer 872.

Alternative Implementations

In one implementation, the website includes a master table of contentsfor aggregating content from multiple sources. The master table ofcontents links information from local, a home page and other URLs forinclusion in an album.

In one implementation, in addition to the video products produced, a CDquality still image can be extracted from the original high qualitydigitized video source. The still images can be distributed as any formof image-based product including mugs, prints, t-shirts or distributedusing E-mail.

In another implementation, published albums and other content can beviewed using a Multimedia Jukebox™. The Multimedia Jukebox™ can be usedto organize videos, audio, text, images all in one place with one-clickaccess.

In another implementation, rather than detecting scene breaks, othertemporal indices can be used to trigger segmentation of the inputcontent. Character recognition, subject recognition, voice recognitionor other technologies can be employed to divide the input content. Forexample, the input content can be divided upon detection of a change inspeech pattern (e.g., a difference person speaking or upon the detectionof the beginning of a speech) or upon the appearance or disappearance ofan individual from a scene.

In one implementation, the system can create (either automatically orunder the direction of the user) an edit list that defines a series ofstart and stop points in the video content. Associated with each editlist can be one or more filters or other effects to be applied to thesegment.

In one implementation, the system allows the user to create a playlist.A playlist editor can be used to guide the display of a particularsequence of content. For example, each album can have an associatedtable of contents that describes all of the content in the album. A playlist can be created for the album that sequences through some or all ofthe content in the album in the order specified by the user. In oneimplementation, a playlist player is included in the content provided toeach of the distributees. The playlist player receives as an input theplaylist and plays the contents of the album in accordance with theinstructions contained therein. The playlist allows the user to selectonly the segments they want to see, in the order they choose.

In one implementation, in addition to the selection of content, theplaylist editor can include tools for allowing the user to edit orotherwise manipulate the content of an album. For example the playlistcan include tools for trimming segments, applying filters to segments orother editing functions such as applying titles or other specialeffects. The playlist editor allows the user to trim the length of anyincluded segment, show the same segment multiple times, and add titles,special effects, etc., to display a personalized version of the content.Others can select their own playlists which can be shared as they like.

In one implementation, the playlist editor includes tools for performingall of the editing functions described above with the web-based editingsystem. Playlists can be uploaded to the central system to allow theuser to distribute personalized content to different distributees. Forexample, digitized content can be shared with everyone: Once one or morepersonalized playlists are produced, the playlist(s) can be uploaded andthen processed as if the order had been prepared on-line. In oneimplementation, the editing page presented in the user interface caninclude a “share” button. Invoking the share button, a user can ordernew physical media (e.g., CDs) of a personalized nature. Uploading issimple and quick since the playlist player only sends the central systema small text file (i.e., the playlist information). In thisimplementation, the edited CD's are just as high quality as the originalphysical media produced.

In another implementation, the physical media may include video tapes. Auser can specify the format of the output content that is to bedelivered to the distributees. For example, a VHS copy of an album canbe ordered for those without access to a CD-ROM drive.

In one implementation, rather than receiving a physical manifestationthat includes the digitized video content, the user may order anInternet webcast. In one implementation, the webcast can be up to 5minutes for up to 20 viewings with additional length and viewingsavailable at minimal extra cost.

As described above, the process of delivering content to the distributescan include a sharing option. For example, once the user creates analbum, the user has a number of choices to make. Choices range from theformat of the delivery (CDR, DVD, online broadcast etc.), thedistribution list (who you want to share content with), the distributionmeans (the system can provide copies to the user or distribute thecopies to each recipient), and storage options. In one implementation,the user can save albums scenes and other content (playlists, editlists, stills and other content) in a personal multimedia jukebox.

The present invention has been described in terms of specificembodiments, which are illustrative of the invention and not to beconstrued as limiting. Other embodiments are within the scope of thefollowing claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: at a client device,identifying a video content item including video data that is to be asource for an album, the album, when completed, including an editedversion of the video content item; identifying a plurality of segmentsin the video data and a representative still for each segment; receivingover time a plurality of edit instructions for editing the video data inaccordance with input received from a user; receiving an indication fromthe user that editing is complete and that the album should befinalized; generating an edit list that includes the edit instructionsfor the album; providing the edit list to a server system; enabling theserver system to access the video content item; editing the videocontent item in accordance with the edit list including evaluating andgenerating new representative stills for one or more segments in thevideo data that have been trimmed based on the edit list; receivinginstructions from the user to distribute an edited form of the videocontent item embodied in the album to one or more distributees; andproviding the server system with distributee information to enabledistribution of the album.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the editinstructions include instructions for editing a single scene of thevideo data.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the edit instructionsinclude instructions for combining two or more scenes in the album. 4.The method of claim 1 wherein the edit instructions include instructionsfor combining other content with the video data.
 5. The method of claim4 wherein the other content is selected from the group comprising audiodata or digital still images.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the albumis a composition.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the edit instructionsinclude instructions to change tracking, extract a frame or a portion ofa scene, select a scene, de-select a scene, add a scene or delete ascene.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein receiving an indication thatediting is complete includes receiving an indication to preview thealbum and wherein the method further comprises providing a streamingpreview of the album to the user including applying the edit list ofinstructions to the video content item and streaming the edited videocontent item to the client device for presentation to the user.
 9. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the edit list includes one or more userdesignated start or stop points for the video content item.
 10. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the edit list includes a designation of one ormore filters to be applied to one or more scenes associated with thealbum.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the instructions to distributeinclude instructions to distribute a streaming version of the album. 12.The method of claim 1 wherein the instructions to distribute includeinstructions to provide an invitation to one or more invitees to viewthe album and providing the album to the distributee responsive toreceipt of an acceptance of the invitation.
 13. A method comprising:receiving an identifier associated with a video content item includingvideo data that is to be a source for an album, the album, whencompleted, including an edited version of the video content item;receiving an edit list including a plurality of edit instructions forediting the video data in accordance with input received from a userwherein at least one of the edit instructions includes an instruction totrim a first segment of the video data; receiving an indication from theuser that editing is complete and that the album should be finalized;accessing the video content item; editing the video content item inaccordance with the edit list including evaluating and generating a newrepresentative still for the first segment in the video data aftertrimming; receiving instructions from the user to distribute an editedform of the video content item embodied in the album to one or moredistributees; and distributing the album to the distributees inaccordance with the instructions.
 14. The method of claim 13 wherein theedit instructions include instructions for editing a single scene of thevideo data.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the edit instructionsinclude instructions for combining two or more scenes in the album. 16.The method of claim 13 wherein the edit instructions includeinstructions for combining other content with the video data.
 17. Themethod of claim 16 wherein the other content is selected from the groupcomprising audio data or digital still images.
 18. The method of claim13 wherein the album is a composition.
 19. The method of claim 13wherein the instructions to distribute the album include instructions todistribute the album from the server system to one or more distributeesystems.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the distributee systemsreceive an edited version of the video content item from the serversystem.
 21. The method of claim 13 wherein the edit instructions includeinstructions to change tracking, extract a frame or a portion of ascene, select a scene, de-select a scene, add a scene or delete a scene.22. The method of claim 13 wherein receiving an indication to finalizethe album includes receiving an indication to preview the album andwherein the method further comprises providing a streaming preview ofthe album to the user including applying the edit list of instructionsto the video content item and streaming the edited video content item tothe client device for presentation to the user.
 23. The method of claim13 wherein the edit list includes one or more user designated start orstop points for the video content item.
 24. The method of claim 13wherein the edit list includes a designation of one or more filters tobe applied to one or more scenes associated with the album.
 25. Themethod of claim 13 wherein distributing includes distributing on aphysical media the album to the distributees.
 26. A method comprising:identifying a plurality of albums that have been received by a user froma central service, each album including video data including one or moreedited scenes and still image data representative of each scene;receiving a selection from the user of one or more scenes from at leasttwo different albums of the plurality of albums: combining theselections to produce a new album including combining the video data andassociated representative still image data into the new album; receivingan edit list including one or more edit instructions for editing thevideo data in accordance with input received from a user wherein atleast one of the edit instructions includes an instruction to trim afirst segment of the video data; editing the video content item inaccordance with the edit list including evaluating and generating atleast one new representative still for the first segment in the videodata after trimming; storing the new album including enabling playingthe new album by the user and distributing the new album to other users.